Shade Brigade helps seniors stay hydrated

Bryce Robinson, community relations specialist for the southeast U.S. for Emeritus Sr. Living, right, delivers a Shade Brigade cooler to Rita O'Brien at her home in southeast Ocala. "The coolers are filled with bottles of water, fruit cups, sun screen a meal ticket and popsicles," Robinson said. "We visit about once a week or as needed.

Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner

Published: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 9:33 p.m.

Rita O’Brien never gave much thought to her own hydration.

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But the 93-year-old has now focused more attention on drinking water not just when she’s thirsty, thanks to the Shade Brigade, a program by Emeritus of Ocala to keep seniors hydrated during the summer.

“I never used to think about drinking water. I’d drink, but never as a routine,” said O’Brien, who in the past has been hospitalized for dehydration.

“The last time, I had to stay in the hospital for six days,” she said.

O’Brien is one of several dozen seniors getting regular visits and hydration materials from the Shade Brigade. While Emeritus operates two senior living centers in Ocala and is part of a national chain of such centers, the hydration program is not about gaining new clients, said Bryce Robinson, who works for Emeritus throughout the southeast region.

“It doesn’t have to be anyone interested in senior living, it’s for any senior in the community. Dehydration is a big danger among seniors,” Robinson said. “We have neighbors call us worried about their neighbors.”

Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration because their bodies lose the ability to conserve water and their thirst sense becomes less acute, according to the Mayo Clinic, which further states that some seniors may forget to eat or drink altogether.

Also, illnesses such as diabetes, or hormonal changes, as well as certain medications, can bring on dehydration faster in seniors.

In addition to water, the Shade Brigade offers fruit cups and popsicles to those who can have those items. Water bottles, sunscreen and lip balm are included in the hydration kit, which doubles as an insulated cooler.

“Some people don’t realize that anything moist can help hydrate you,” Robinson said.

Someone from Emeritus visits every one or two weeks during the summer to chat and bring more hydration supplies to seniors on their list.

“We build a relationship and help them try to avoid other dangers, like throw rugs with curled up edges or other dangerous situations,” Robinson said.

O’Brien was grateful for the water bottle and other supplies she received. She liked the bright orange bag they came in as well. She moved to Ocala 19 years ago with her sister after the two retired. Colleen O’Brien died in 2004 and Rita has lived alone ever since. She is to the point where she will soon move into a senior living facility.

“Most seniors will require some kind of senior living in their lifetime. It’s not like the facilities in the ’80s and ’90s. Facilities now promote as much independent living as possible,” Robinson said.

Anyone interested in having the Shade Brigade visit them or a loved one can call Trey Adams at 622-9696.

<p>Rita O'Brien never gave much thought to her own hydration.</p><p>But the 93-year-old has now focused more attention on drinking water not just when she's thirsty, thanks to the Shade Brigade, a program by Emeritus of Ocala to keep seniors hydrated during the summer.</p><p>“I never used to think about drinking water. I'd drink, but never as a routine,” said O'Brien, who in the past has been hospitalized for dehydration.</p><p>“The last time, I had to stay in the hospital for six days,” she said.</p><p>O'Brien is one of several dozen seniors getting regular visits and hydration materials from the Shade Brigade. While Emeritus operates two senior living centers in Ocala and is part of a national chain of such centers, the hydration program is not about gaining new clients, said Bryce Robinson, who works for Emeritus throughout the southeast region. </p><p>“It doesn't have to be anyone interested in senior living, it's for any senior in the community. Dehydration is a big danger among seniors,” Robinson said. “We have neighbors call us worried about their neighbors.”</p><p>Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration because their bodies lose the ability to conserve water and their thirst sense becomes less acute, according to the Mayo Clinic, which further states that some seniors may forget to eat or drink altogether.</p><p>Also, illnesses such as diabetes, or hormonal changes, as well as certain medications, can bring on dehydration faster in seniors.</p><p>In addition to water, the Shade Brigade offers fruit cups and popsicles to those who can have those items. Water bottles, sunscreen and lip balm are included in the hydration kit, which doubles as an insulated cooler.</p><p>“Some people don't realize that anything moist can help hydrate you,” Robinson said.</p><p>Someone from Emeritus visits every one or two weeks during the summer to chat and bring more hydration supplies to seniors on their list.</p><p>“We build a relationship and help them try to avoid other dangers, like throw rugs with curled up edges or other dangerous situations,” Robinson said.</p><p>O'Brien was grateful for the water bottle and other supplies she received. She liked the bright orange bag they came in as well. She moved to Ocala 19 years ago with her sister after the two retired. Colleen O'Brien died in 2004 and Rita has lived alone ever since. She is to the point where she will soon move into a senior living facility.</p><p>“Most seniors will require some kind of senior living in their lifetime. It's not like the facilities in the '80s and '90s. Facilities now promote as much independent living as possible,” Robinson said.</p><p>Anyone interested in having the Shade Brigade visit them or a loved one can call Trey Adams at 622-9696.</p>